Thirteenth CSA - Week of September 1st
Its already September?? Time flies!
Full Share this week: Green Cabbage, Shishito Peppers, Carrots, French Heritage Tomatoes Summer Squash, Basil, Pink Onion, Lettuce Mix, Tomatillos, Cherry Tomatoes
Half Share this week: Green Cabbage, Shishito Peppers, Carrots, French Heritage Tomatoes Summer Squash, Basil, Pink Onion
This week a message from our Greenhouse Guru, Tom:
Hello Everyone,
I manage the greenhouses on the GVB property. During the spring and summer, I am responsible for the farm’s micro greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, and some other herbs. I grew up in rural New Hampshire, helping in my family garden, my neighbors farm, and then I worked at a vegetable farm and garden center in a my hometown for many years. I pursued other interests and work opportunities for a few years, but felt a farming void in my life. I joined the GVB team in spring of 2017, during a transition time in my work and lifestyle. During my time here, I learned how to grow protected cultures, and have helped improve the greenhouses. Among other things, my experience has been intriguing, challenging, tiring, stressful, relaxing, meditative, powerful, and of course, hot. That is not all, but some examples of the experience of a diverse and dynamic environment, such as a farm; an environment that attracts me. I mange a lot of plants, but I also spend a lot of time with them, and I enjoy observing and working with each crop, noticing unique plants, and learning how each greenhouse fosters different plant growth. I am a creative person, I love plants, and I love growing and eating food. Horticulture is one area where my interests overlap. I enjoy the creativity involved in problem solving, and I enjoy creating an aesthetically appealing greenhouse atmosphere. Thank you Matt and Jacy for sharing ownership of the greenhouses and help move the department towards our goal of more efficient and productive greenhouses, so that we can provide more produce for all of you (CSA members), other Bozeman community members and surrounding areas. I have learned so much, and I have so much to learn, and I look forward to it.
I intentionally signed-up to write this week’s newsletter so I could talk about tomatoes, although briefly. It’s exciting to grow, harvest and view stacks of vibrant tomatoes, and I am grateful for that opportunity. This season is no exception. In the greenhouses, we grow eleven varieties of tomatoes in that make-up three types of tomatoes: cherry, saladette, and French heritage. Although I would like to talk about them all, I will focus on the French Heritage for this newsletter. We have three varieties: Marbonne, Marnero and Margold. Marbonne is bright red, with a soft texture, and slightly acidic. Marnero has a deep red-brown color, and also a soft texture and slightly acidic. Margold is golden, with a red blush and striped bottom, a soft texture and sweeter flavor. I love all of our tomatoes for different reasons, but I particularly enjoy the varieties that are slightly acidic. They are delicious for eating raw, or for cooking in a dish such as Ratatouille, which I love. My grandmother cooked this dish frequently during the summer, accompanied by a delicious zucchini relish. This week’s CSA includes some key ingredients for a Ratatouille: summer squash, onion, French heritage tomatoes (any of the three varieties), and plenty of basil.
Outside of the greenhouse It’s the beginning of apple season, if you are interested in purchases for bulk storage, please contact Matt. We have bunching greens such as kale and Swiss chard, tomatoes, and possibly some of our outdoor basil.
Why do I enjoy greenhouse work? Creativity, learning about each house and the plants within it, what they need, signs they show.
If you have kiddos, Ratatouille while watching Ratatouille might be a fun activity. Here is a simple recipe I found: https://tasty.co/recipe/ratatouille I’m not sure if this recipe will compare to Tom’s Grandmother’s but here is a relish recipe too! https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/172346/sweet-zucchini-relish/
Enjoying the final days of summer from the farm,
Alley & Tom